It is an interesting video. However, I would question one of their rules. They stated that you should never extend your slides. On my 5er, with the slide in, I can get to the rear couch, but not much else. I CAN NOT get to the frig, the bathroom, the bedroom, the closet, the kitchen sink, or the pantry unless I extend the slide. With the slide in, the RV is pretty much useless. I am fairly certain that this is not a unique floor plan.

When I stop at a Walmart, I try to park along an edge of the parking lot, facing in a direction such that the extended slide does not protrude into the lot. What do others do?

On my 5er, with the slide in, I can get to the rear couch, but not much else. I CAN NOT get to the frig, the bathroom, the bedroom, the closet, the kitchen sink, or the pantry unless I extend the slide.

One of the 1st things I looked at was whether I could use the 5er with the slides in. If I couldn't get in the frig without extending the slide, I looked at a different model. I have total use of my unit with the slides in.

I have total use of my rv with the slides in. The only problem we have when the slide in is if someone goes to the bathroom hey have to step into the bedroom to open the bathroom door enough to get in.

I feel the most important thing to do is ask to speak to a manager even if there are already RV's parked in their parking lot. I also usually have a shopping cart with me with something in it. I open a slide but I make sure in not in the way of vehicle movement.

I did not see anything in there about using a generator. Do any of you use one when there. I have a Cpap machine and need AC power at night. I run a Honda 2000 so not loud but wondered if it is a good idea to run at places like this and other free night stops.

They better bring a big set of cutters to cut the cable and lock. Most thieves are to lazy for that. I hear what your saying and it is one of the reasons we have never done the free stay. I would only do it in a pinch which has not happened yet. I used a invertor in my last camper but the new one does not have the 12 volt ran to the bedroom.

Inverter would be the best option. No noise and worry about someone stealing you expensive generator.

I've never stayed in a Walmart yet but have stayed in a WinCo parking lot. Like the video make sure you go inside the store and find a manager and ask about staying before you do. Exactly my case I was on my way up north and was getting tired of driving so we made camp at a WinCo, got dinner supplies and left in the morning.

What I usually do when I'm traveling is I don't use the CPAP. It's not the end of the world for me. If I had to use it, I would plug it into the 12 volt plug receptacle in my bedroom closet which is set up for a 12 volt TV. If I didn't have that option, I would purchase a inverter

We extend all 4 slides at Wal Mart. If its crowded or tight we may only use the slides on the curbside so as not to intrude, or we just go somewhere else. We try to park where the trucks are parked if we can. We also use the generator. 15 - 20 feet from the coach you can't hear it, and no one would know its running.

Becky always calls ahead when we are within an hour of the WalMart to ask if its ok if we park overnight, even if AllStays says its ok. The management appreciates the call and sometimes tells us where they would prefer we park.

We stop frequently at Walmarts. We try to be unobtrusive and take up as little space as possible. A lot depends on the size of the parking lot. We prefer parking along the perimeter where we can put the slide out over the landscaping area if we want to. And like others, our unit is totally useable with the slide in. In fact, when looking at new RVs, I've had the salesman pull in the slide so we can see just how useable it is.

We have run the generator at Walmart but shut it off by 11 pm in consideration of others (and because I don't like listening to it run either). And as for that Honda outside, cabled to the RV, I guarantee you there are plenty of thieves out there with bolt cutters just looking for something like that (generator, bicycles, etc). One of the casinos in Indio has outside generators stolen frequently by bolt-cutter-wielding crooks.

Mike has a CPAP which runs quite nicely off the inverter. I think someone here even has a separate small inverter just for his CPAP. And I'm pretty sure that Mike won't die if he doesn't use his CPAP for a night.

We have a WalMart a couple of miles from our house (I guess these days who doesn't) with signs all over the place saying no overnight parking. It is not unusual to see a RV parked with its slides out, bar-b-que pits, lawn chairs and the like sitting out. Last weekend we went by and there was a family out in their TT enjoying their grill, and frolicking out in the parking lot...I thought that was a little much.

I can't imagine a CPAP taking more wattage than your furnace fan. Go for a small invertor and use it without the generator. A good night's sleep for both you and your better half is worth it--both for the restful night's sleep itself and being well-rested for your drive the next day.

It would be worth adding a 12v receptacle if your bedroom doesn't already have one, and investigate a 12v power supply for it so you could even avoid the invertor!

We have a WalMart a couple of miles from our house (I guess these days who doesn't) with signs all over the place saying no overnight parking. It is not unusual to see a RV parked with its slides out, bar-b-que pits, lawn chairs and the like sitting out. Last weekend we went by and there was a family out in their TT enjoying their grill, and frolicking out in the parking lot...I thought that was a little much.

I know most Walmarts don't mind RV's parking overnight in the lot because the RV community does use Walmarts often to replenish goods. We have been told at a few Walmarts we've parked overnight at to not setup a campsite in the parking lot. I'm surprised the Walmart manager didn't tell the RV to leave, especially with a full on campsite setup.

I have used the inverter setup before for tent camping. You have to haul a batt in but works fine. Also have 12 volt set up that was used with my last camper. For this you have to have the 12 volt plug in the room. The question was can you use the generator and is it a good idea. I have been thinking of running the wiring to install the 12 volt plug anyway but was just interested to see what others did. As far as not using a CPAP when you should be YES it can kill you.

I respectfully disagree. We need at least one bedroom slide out to get around the bed. Its not an excuse, its just necessary.

Like Wendy said, we generally make sure we only put the slide out curbside over the landscaping. Not intruding on anyone. We would NEVER sit outside, fire up the grill, or frolic around. It is 100% more likely that we'll go rent a Red Box movie, spend another $20 or $30 in the store, run the generator only to make coffee in the morning, and then leave.

Please obey all rules Wal-Mart has posted on their lotsand web site while overnighting at one of their stores. Thisincludes but not limited to having slides out. You shouldspend around $40-$50 while there. Keep slides in. Its just like taxes, we all just do it. Thanks

I've only been RVing since 2004, and in those 10 years I've never even considered staying in a parking lot overnight. When we travel I make certain of our nightly stops. I would rather spend $25.00 to $50.00 supporting a small business, i.e., local campgrounds and RV Parks. I have not been on a trip in the Western USA that I did not pass up a CG or RV Park when it came close to shutting down for the day.

In Susanville, CA I have noticed Motor Homes in the Walmart Parking lot at night while the RV Park across and down the road has available spaces.

I cannot say I'd never stop at a Walmart to catch some rest while on the road, but it won't be my preference.

Please obey all rules Wal-Mart has posted on their lotsand web site while overnighting at one of their stores. Thisincludes but not limited to having slides out. You shouldspend around $40-$50 while there. Keep slides in. Its just like taxes, we all just do it. Thanks

In over 25 years of RV'ing, we've never stayed overnight at a WalMart, rest area, or truck stop. We've had countless discussions on the subject, and the various pros and cons, do's and don'ts. Some folks look for Cracker Barrel restaurants to stay overnight, but I've yet to see one that has space we'd put our coach.

Several years ago, singer songwriter Cliff Rodman "observed" some of these discussions, and wrote/recorded/published "Waltzing through WalMart". You can hear a snippet of this and other Cliff Rodman "RVing songs" at www.rvsongs.com

In over 25 years of RV'ing, we've never stayed overnight at a WalMart, rest area, or truck stop. We've had countless discussions on the subject, and the various pros and cons, do's and don'ts. Some folks look for Cracker Barrel restaurants to stay overnight, but I've yet to see one that has space we'd put our coach.

Several years ago, singer songwriter Cliff Rodman "observed" some of these discussions, and wrote/recorded/published "Waltzing through WalMart". You can hear a snippet of this and other Cliff Rodman "RVing songs" at www.rvsongs.com

Tom,

I liked the song...and I wholeheartedly agree with you, I see no need to stay in a parking lot.

We parked in the WalMart section of Orchard Park Shopping Centre Kelowna, BC. After obtaining permission to overnight at this Shopping Mall, we were advised that a copy of their rules would be placed on our windshield in due course:

"For your convenience, self-contained units are permitted to park onour property under the following conditions:

1. Overnight parking is permitted for one night only.

2. Parking is restricted to the perimeter of the parking lot. No parking is permitted on landscaped areas.

3. All activities such as cooking, eating etc., must be done inside the vehicle. Picnic tables, lawn chairs, tents, etc., are not permitted on the property.

4. Dumping of garbage on the property is not permitted. All waste material must be kept within the vehicle.

5. Plugging into light poles is not permitted.

6. Trailers are not to be disconnected.

We reserve the right to ask you to remove your vehicle from the property at any time and for any reason whatsoever. "

The rule that really disappointed me, was the one about using their electrical hookups!